For Utah ... the visiting Utes can secure a ninth consecutive winning season with a victory. They'll also even their Pac-12 record at 4-4 with a win over the Cougars.

For Washington State ... bowl eligibility is two wins away. The Cougars can qualify for postseason play with season-ending triumphs over Utah and rival Washington.

The trends

For Utah ... the Utes have won three straight games — defeating Oregon State, Arizona and UCLA. They're 3-2 on the road this season, falling only to USC and California.

For Washington State ... the Cougars have been throwing the ball efficiently (318.7 ypg). Wide receiver Marquess Wilson leads the Pac-12 with 119.7 yards per game.

Player to watch

Connor Halliday, Washington State quarterback: The reigning Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week, a redshirt freshman, came off the bench to lead the Cougars to a 37-27 win over Arizona State. He threw for 494 yards and four touchdowns.

Key matchup

JOHN WHITE IV vs. WSU RUN DEFENSE: Utah's junior running back is averaging 119.1 yards per game, second-best in the Pac-12. WSU's run defense, meanwhile, is eighth defending the run — giving up 155.8 yards per game.

Injury report

Utah: The Utes have eight players out with season-ending injuries, but nothing new from last week's game against UCLA.